Serena Williams rolls back the years in winning return after nearly four years away

At 44, Serena Williams is now the oldest former World No. 1 on the WTA Tour to return after retiring.

Published on: Jun 10, 2026, 07:42:55 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Nearly four years after her last competitive match, Serena Williams made a victorious comeback on Tuesday. The 44-year-old returned to competitive action, partnering Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko at the Queen's Club WTA event. The pair beat Nicole Melichar-Martinez, Erin Routliffe, 7(7)-6(2), 6-2.

Serena Williams partnered with Victoria Mboko, of Canada. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)

After her win, she was cryptic about a possible return to Wimbledon 2026. "Like I said the other day, it's just a day at a time. I still have a little time to decide, and they have been great about giving me that space and time to decide," she said.

Also Read: Serena Williams stuns tennis world with comeback announcement nearly four years after retirement

She hogged the limelight, and when she walked on court, she was given a huge reception. She entertained the fans with some dominant winners and also reminded them of her serving power.

‘I got nervous right before the match’

Rating her performance, she said, "My God. What do you think? A C-minus?"

"I got nervous right before the match, like, maybe 30 minutes before, and then I just let it go.

"With all the elements, considering coming back on grass is probably not the easiest surface. Overall, it was decent."

Serena was also playing in front of her daughters. When asked how they reacted to her win, she said, "Adira wanted to go to the toy store, and Olympia wanted to know what was for dinner."

The pair next face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in the quarterfinals. "It feels like it was far from our level a little bit, but I think it's great knowing that you have so much room for improvement," Mboko said.

"I mean, overall, I'd say it was pretty good."

Mboko was also impressed with Serena's form. She said, "I thought she was moving great."

"There was that one shot you hit, remember, you were on the run, on the backhand, and I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, she’s got it.’"

At 44, Serena is now the oldest former World No. 1 on the WTA Tour to return after retiring. She overtakes Martina Navratilova, who was 43 when she came back in 2000. She is tied with Stefanie Graf for the longest consecutive reign at No. 1 (186 weeks), and also is the oldest woman to hold the top ranking at age 35. She ranks fourth in the Open Era match wins with 856.

Serena has also entered the doubles draw at the Berlin Tennis Open, which begins on June 15. Her partner has not yet been announced.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.